Box rack with functional training devices

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine may include a box rack and at least one functional training device secured to the box rack and connected to at least one resistance device. The box rack may be comprised of a number of base members, vertical members, and upper members. A first functional training device may be mounted to a first vertical member in a slidable arrangement. A second functional training device may be mounted to a second vertical member in a slidable arrangement. A third functional training device may be located on an upper portion of the box rack. A fourth functional training device may be located on a lower portion of the box rack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is makes no priority claim.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a box rack with functional training devices.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Box racks exist which facilitate the movement of a user through various exercises. Such box racks are generally rectangular cages which surround the user while the user moves a weight through one or more free weight exercises. Such box racks may facilitate, for example without limitation, lateral rows, dips, squats, bench press, and other exercises. One exemplary box rack is the F430 Power Rack from BODYCRAFT® available at https://www.bodycraft.com/f430-power-rack.html.

In recent years, functional weight lifting exercises have increased in popularity. These exercises are intended to better emulate real world, practical uses of the muscles by engaging multiple muscle groups when performing an exercise instead of isolating a particular muscle or muscle group. One might compare a bicep curl, which is intended to engage the bicep, with a chin-up, which engages the biceps, shoulders, and back muscles, among others.

Users are increasingly seeking machines capable of providing the user with multiple exercise options. Therefore, what is needed is a box rack which incorporates functional training devices.

The present invention is a box rack which incorporates functional training devices. The box rack may comprise a number of vertical and horizontal members shaped into a substantially rectangular frame. The box rack may be configured to surround a user performing a free weight exercise. A first and second functional training device may each be mounted to one of the vertical members in a slidable arrangement. A third functional training device may be located on an upper portion of the box rack and configured to be pulled downward. A fourth functional training device may be located on a lower portion of the box rack and configured to be pulled outward or upward.

The first and third functional training devices may be connected to one another as well as a first resistance device by a first cable. The second and third functional training devices may be connected to one another as well as a second resistance device by a second cable. The first functional training device may be connected to the fourth functional training device by a third cable. The second functional training device may be connected to the fourth functional training device by a fourth cable.

Further features and advantages of the devices and systems disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 a front perspective view of an exemplary exercise machine in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

FIG. 1 a front perspective view of an exemplary exercise machine 10. The exercise machine 10 may comprise a first base member 12, a second base member 14, and a third base member 16. The first base member 12 may be spaced apart from and extend substantially parallel with the second base member 14. The third base member 16 may extend between the first and second base members 12 and 14. In exemplary embodiments, the third base member 16 extends between distal ends of the first and second base members 12 and 14.

A fourth base member 20 may be spaced apart from and extend substantially parallel with the third base member 16. In exemplary embodiments, the fourth base member 20 is located behind the third base member 16. The fourth base member 20 may extend substantially the length of the third base member 16 and may extend therebeyond. A connector 18 may extend between the third base member 16 and the fourth base member 20. In exemplary embodiments, the connector may extend substantially perpendicular to the third base member 16 and the fourth base member 20.

A first vertical member 22 and a third vertical member 26 may extend substantially perpendicular from the first base member 12. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second vertical members 22 and 26 may extend substantially parallel with one another. The first vertical member 22 may extend from a proximal end of the first base member 12. The third vertical member 26 may extend from a distal end of the first base member 12. However, any location of the first and third vertical member 22 and 26 are contemplated.

Similarly, a second vertical member 24 and a fourth vertical member 28 may extend substantially perpendicular from the second base member 14. In exemplary embodiments, the second and fourth vertical members 24 and 28 may extend substantially parallel with one another. The second vertical member 24 may extend from a proximal end of the second base member 14. The fourth vertical member 28 may extend from a distal end of the second base member 14. However, any location of the second and fourth vertical member 24 and 28 are contemplated.

A first upper member 30 may extend between the first and third vertical member 22 and 26. In exemplary embodiments, the first upper member 30 may be connected to a distal end of the first and third vertical members 22 and 26. The first upper member 30 may extend beyond the third vertical member 26.

Similarly, a second upper member 32 may extend between the second and fourth vertical members 24 and 28. In exemplary embodiments, the second upper member 32 may be connected to a distal end of the second and fourth vertical members 24 and 28. The second upper member 32 may extend beyond the fourth vertical member 28.

A third upper member 34 may extend between the first upper member 30 and the second upper member 32. A fourth upper member 36 may extend between the first upper member 30 and the second upper member 32. A fifth upper member 38 may extend between the first upper member 30 and the second upper member 32. In exemplary embodiments, the third, fourth, and fifth upper members 34, 36, and 38 may be spaced apart from one another and extend substantially parallel to one another. A sixth upper member 40 may extend between the third, fourth, and fifth upper members 34, 36, and 38. In exemplary embodiments, the sixth upper member 40 may extend substantially parallel with the first and second upper members 30 and 32. The sixth upper member 40 may be located halfway between the first and second upper member 30 and 32, though such is not required. The sixth upper member 40 may extend along or on the third, fourth, and fifth upper members 34, 36, and 38.

At least the first, second, and third base members 12, 14, 16, the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members 22, 24, 26, and 28, and the first, second, third, and fourth upper members 30, 32, 34, and 36 may form a substantially rectangular cage. Stated another way, these components may form a box rack.

A first safety rail 42 may extend between the second and fourth vertical members 24 and 28. A second safety rail 44 may extend between the first and third vertical members 22 and 26. In exemplary embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members 22, 24, 26, and 28 may comprise a series of apertures. The first and second safety rails 42 and 44 may be mounted to the respective vertical members 22, 24, 26, and 28 in a slidable arrangement. The first and second safety rails 42 and 44 may comprise removable pins configured to temporarily secure the first and second safety rails 42 and 44 at various vertical locations along the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members 22, 24, 26, and 28.

A first holding device 46 may be mounted to the first vertical member 22 in a slidable arrangement. A second holding device 48 may be mounted to the second vertical member 24 in a slidable arrangement. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second holding devices 46 and 48 may be hooks configured to receive a bar, such as a bar used to perform box squats, bench press, curls, rows, and the like. The first and second holding devices 46 and 48 may be mounted to the inside of the first and second vertical members 22 and 24, respectively, such that the respective holding device 46 and 48 faces the rear of the exercise machine 10. The first and second holding devices 46 and 48 may comprise pins configured to temporarily secure the first and second holding devices 46 and 48 at various vertical locations along the first and second vertical members 22 and 24 by engaging the apertures located in the first and second vertical members 22 and 24.

Similarly, a third holding device 50 may be mounted to the third vertical member 26 in a slidable arrangement. A fourth holding device 52 may be mounted to the fourth vertical member 28 in a slidable arrangement. In exemplary embodiments, the third and fourth holding devices 50 and 52 may be hooks configured to receive a bar, such as a bar used to perform box squats, bench press, curls, rows, and the like. The third and fourth holding devices 50 and 52 may be mounted to the inside of the third and fourth vertical members 26 and 28, respectively, such that the respective holding device 50 and 52 faces the front of the exercise machine 10. The second and third holding devices 50 and 52 may comprise pins configured to temporarily secure the second and third holding devices 50 and 52 at various vertical locations along the third and fourth vertical members 26 and 28 by engaging the apertures located in the third and fourth vertical members 26 and 28.

A fifth holding device 51 may be mounted to the first vertical member 22 in a slidable arrangement. A sixth holding device 53 may be mounted to the second vertical member 24 in a slidable arrangement. In exemplary embodiments, the fifth and sixth holding devices 51 and 53 may be hooks configured to receive a bar, such as a bar used to perform box squats, bench press, curls, rows, and the like. The fifth and sixth holding devices 46 and 48 may be mounted to the outside of the first and second vertical members 22 and 24, respectively, such that the respective holding device 51 and 53 faces the front of the exercise machine 10. The fifth and sixth holding devices 51 and 53 may comprise pins configured to temporarily secure the fifth and sixth holding devices 51 and 53 at various vertical locations along the first and second vertical members 22 and 24 by engaging the apertures located in the first and second vertical members 22 and 24.

The number and arrangement of the holding devices 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, and 53 is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting. Any number of holding devices 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, and 53 located along any or all of the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members 22, 24, 26, and 28 are contemplated.

FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of the exercise machine 10. A first functional training device 54 may be mounted to the first vertical member 22 in a slidable arrangement. A second functional training device 56 may be mounted to the second vertical member 24 in a slidable arrangement. The first and second training devices 54 and 56 may comprise pins configured to temporarily secure the first and second training devices 54 and 56 at various vertical locations along the first and second vertical members 22 and 24 by engaging the apertures located in the first and second vertical members 22 and 24. In exemplary embodiments, the first functional training device 54 may be connected to, or integrally formed with, the first holding device 46, though such is not required. Similarly, in exemplary embodiments the second functional training device 56 may be connected to, or integrally formed with, the second holding device 48, though such is not required.

A third functional training device 58 may be mounted to a distal end of the sixth upper member 40. In other exemplary embodiments, the third functional training device 58 may be mounted to the third upper member 34. The third functional training device 58 may be a pull-down bar, though such is not required. Put more simply, the third functional training device 58 may be located on an upper portion of the box rack and configured to be pulled downward.

A fourth functional training device 60 may be mounted to the fourth base member 20. In other exemplary embodiments, the fourth functional training device 60 may be mounted to the third base member 16. The fourth functional training device 60 may be a rowing device, though such is not required. Put more simply, the fourth functional training device 60 may be located on a lower portion of the box rack and configured to be pulled upward or outward.

In exemplary embodiments, the functional training devices 54, 56, 58, and 60 may be cable pull devices. The functional training devices 54, 56, 58, and 60 may be fixed or may be configured for swiveling movement. The functional training devices 54, 56, 58, and 60 may comprise one or more pulleys configured to secure a cable 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, or 62 d and permit a user to pull on the cable 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, or 62 d, or attachment device (e.g., handle, bar, rope, etc.) connected thereto, and move through various exercises. As will be explained in greater detail herein, the cables 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, and 62 d may be connected to resistance devices 66 a and 66 b. The cables 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, and 62 d, may further comprise stoppers and/or attachment devices configured to prevent the cable 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, or 62 d from traveling beyond the respective functional training devices 54, 56, 58, and 60.

A first cable 62 a may extend from the second functional training device 56 to a first resistance device 66 a and on to the third functional training device 58. The first cable 62 a may travel vertically upwards along the second vertical member 24 until engaging a first pulley 64 a. The first pulley 64 a may be located on or along the second vertical member 24 or the second upper member 32. In other exemplary embodiments, the first pulley 64 a may be located on a member extending from the second upper member 32. The first cable 62 a may then travel horizontally along the second upper member 32 until engaging the second pulley 64 b. The second pulley 64 b may be located on or along the second upper member 32. The first cable 62 a may then travel vertically downwards until engaging a third pulley 64 c and then reversing directions, traveling vertically upwards until engaging a fourth pulley 64 d. As will be discussed in greater detail herein, the third pulley 64 c may be attached to a tenth pulley 64 k connected to a third cable 62 c. The first cable 62 a may then travel horizontally along the fifth upper member 38 before engaging a fifth pulley 64 e. The first cable 62 a may then travel vertically downwards until engaging a sixth pulley 64 f located on, or otherwise connected to, the first resistance device 66 a.

The first cable 62 a may then reverse directions, traveling vertically upwards until engaging a seventh pulley 64 g. The first cable 62 a may then travel horizontally along the fifth upper member 38 until engaging an eighth pulley 64 h. The fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth pulleys 64 d, 64, 64 g, and 64 h may be located on or along the fifth upper member 38. The first cable 62 a may then travel horizontally along the sixth upper member 40 before terminating at or near the third functional training device 58.

A similar or identical arrangement may be located along the other side of the exercise machine 10 such that a second cable 62 b travels between the first functional training device 54, the second resistance device 66 b, and the third functional training device 58. It is notable that as the first and second cable 62 a and 62 b may both be connected to the third functional training device 58. A single attachment device of the third functional training device 58 may be connected to both the first and second cables 62 a and 62 b such that the first and second resistance device 66 a and 66 b are engaged when the attachment device is moved. In other exemplary embodiments, individual attachment devices of the third functional training device 58 may be connected to each of the first and second cables 62 a and 62 b separately such that the first and second resistance device 66 a and 66 b are separately engaged when the respective attachment device is moved.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the exercise machine 10. The third cable 62 c may extend from a cable termination device 72 located on the second functional training device 56. The third cable 62 c may extend vertically downward until engaging an eighth pulley 64 i. The eighth pulley 64 i may be located on or along the second vertical member 24 or the second base member 14. The third cable 62 c may travel horizontally along the second base member 14 until engaging an ninth pulley 64 j. The ninth pulley 64 j may be located or on along the second base member 14 or the fourth base member 20. The third cable 62 c may then travel vertically until engaging the tenth pulley 64 k. The tenth pulley 64 k may be attached to the third pulley 64 c. The third cable 62 c may then reverse directions and travel vertically downward until engaging an eleventh pulley 641. The eleventh pulley 641 may be located on or along the fourth base member 20. The third cable may then travel horizontally along the fourth base member 20 before engaging a twelfth pulley 64 m. The twelfth pulley 64 m may be located on or along the fourth base member 20. The cable may then terminate at or near the fourth functional training device 60. The first resistance device 66 a may be engaged by the connection of the third pulley 64 c which may be attached to a tenth pulley 64 k connected to a third cable 62 c.

A similar or identical arrangement may be located along the other side of the exercise machine 10 such that a fourth cable 62 d travels between a cable termination device 72 located on the first functional training device 54 and the fourth functional training device 60. It is notable that as the third and fourth cable 62 c and 62 d may be connected to the fourth functional training device 60, a single attachment device may be connected to both the third and fourth cables 62 c and 62 d such that the first and second resistance device 66 a and 66 b are engaged when the attachment device is moved. In other exemplary embodiments, individual attachment devices may be connected to each of the third and fourth cables 62 c and 62 d are separately engaged when the respective attachment device is moved.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the exercise machine 10, FIG. 5 is a front view of the exercise machine 10, FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the exercise machine 10, and FIG. 7 is a rear view of the exercise machine 10. The resistance devices 66 a and 66 b may be a weight stack, weight plates (such as, without limitation, Olympic, or standard weight plates), an electric motor, a friction imparting mechanism, or the like. A shroud 68 may be partially or wholly surround each of the first and second resistance devices 66 a and 66 b together or separately.

Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the optional or preferred features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise machine comprising: a box rack; at least one resistance device; and at least one functional training device secured to the box rack and connected to the at least one resistance device.
 2. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein: said box rack comprises: a first base member, a second base member spaced apart from and extending substantially parallel with the first base member, a third base member extending between the first and second base members, a first vertical member extending substantially perpendicular from the first base member, a second vertical member extending substantially perpendicular from the second base member, a third vertical member extending substantially perpendicular from the first base member, spaced apart from, and substantially parallel with the first vertical member, a fourth vertical member extending substantially perpendicular from the second base member, spaced apart from, and substantially parallel with the second vertical member, a first upper member extending between the first and third vertical members, a second upper member extending between the second and fourth vertical members, a third upper member extending between the first and third upper members, a fourth upper member extending between the first and third upper members, spaced apart from and substantially parallel with the third upper member, and a fifth upper member extending between the first and third upper members, spaced apart from and substantially parallel with the third and fourth upper members.
 3. The exercise machine of claim 2 wherein: said at least one functional training device comprises: a first functional training device, and a second functional training device; said first functional training device is mounted to said first vertical member in a slidable arrangement; and said second functional training device is mounted to said second vertical member in a slidable arrangement.
 4. The exercise machine of claim 3 wherein: said box rack further comprises a sixth upper member extending substantially parallel with the first and second upper members and on or along said third, fourth, and fifth upper members; said at least one functional training device further comprises a third functional training device; and said third functional training device is located on a distal end of said sixth upper member.
 5. The exercise machine of claim 4 wherein: said box rack further comprises: a fourth base member spaced apart from and extending substantially perpendicular with said third base member, and a connector extending between the third and fourth base members; said at least one functional training device further comprises a fourth functional training device; and said fourth functional training device is located on said fourth base member.
 6. The exercise machine of claim 5 wherein: said at least one resistance device is connected to said first, second, third, and fourth functional training devices.
 7. The exercise machine of claim 6 wherein: said first, second, third, and fourth functional training devices are cable pull devices; the first and second functional training devices are configured for swiveling movement; and the third and fourth functional training device are fixed.
 8. The exercise machine of claim 7 wherein: said at least one resistance device comprises: a first resistance device, and a second resistance device; said first functional device is connected to said first resistance device and said third functional device by way of a first cable; said first functional device is connected to said fourth functional device by way of a second cable; said second functional device is connected to said second resistance device and said third functional device by way of a third cable; and said second functional device is connected to said fourth functional device by way of a fourth cable.
 9. The exercise machine of claim 8 further comprising: a number of pulleys located on the box rack and configured to engage the first, second, and third cables.
 10. The exercise machine of claim 9 wherein: said number of pulleys comprise at least a first and second pulley; said first pulley is located on the first resistance device and engages said first cable; and said second pulley is located on the second resistance device and engages said third cable.
 11. The exercise machine of claim 9 wherein: said number of pulleys comprises a third, fourth, fifth, and sixth pulley; said third pulley engages said first cable; said fourth pulley engages said second cable; said third pulley is connected to said fourth pulley; said fifth pulley engages said third cable; said sixth pulley engages said fourth cable; and said fifth pulley is connected to said sixth pulley.
 12. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein: said resistance device is a weight stack.
 13. The exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising: a shroud at least partially surrounding said resistance device.
 14. The exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising: at least one holding device mounted to said box rack in a slidable arrangement and configured to receive a bar.
 15. The exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising: at least one safety rail mounted to said box rack in a slidable arrangement.
 16. An exercise machine comprising: a box rack configured to facilitate the performance of various free weight exercises comprising: a first vertical member, a second vertical member, a third vertical member, and a fourth vertical member, wherein said first, second, third, and fourth vertical members form a rectangular frame; and a first functional training device mounted to said first vertical member in a slidable arrangement; and a second functional training device mounted to said second vertical member in a slidable arrangement.
 17. The exercise machine of claim 16 further comprising: a third functional training device located on an upper portion of the box rack and configured to be pulled downward.
 18. The exercise machine of claim 17 further comprising: a fourth functional training device located on a lower portion of the box rack and configured to be pulled upward or outward.
 19. The exercise machine of claim 18 further comprising: a first resistance device; a second resistance device; a first cable; a second cable; a third cable; a fourth cable; a first pulley connected to the first resistance device; and a second pulley connected to said second resistance device; wherein said first functional device is connected to said first resistance device and said third functional device by way of a first cable, which engages the first pulley; wherein said first functional device is connected to said fourth functional device by way of a second cable; wherein said second functional device is connected to said second resistance device and said third functional device by way of a third cable which engages said second pulley; and wherein said second functional device is connected to said fourth functional device by way of a fourth cable.
 20. An exercise machine comprising: a rectangular shaped box rack comprising: a first vertical member, a second vertical member, a third vertical member, a fourth vertical member, a first base member extending between said first and third vertical members, a second base member extending between said second and fourth vertical members, a third base member extending between said first and second base members, a fourth base member extending substantially parallel with said third base member, a first upper member extending between said first and third vertical members, a second upper member extending between said second and fourth vertical members, a third upper member extending between said first and second upper members, a fourth upper member extending between said first and second upper members, and a fifth upper member extending along said third and fourth upper members and parallel to and between said first and second upper members; a first cable pull device mounted to said first vertical member in a slidable arrangement; a second cable pull mounted to said second vertical member in a slidable arrangement; a third cable pull device located on said fourth base member; a fourth cable pull device located on said fifth upper member; a first weight stack; a second weight stack; a first cable; a second cable; a third cable; a fourth cable; a first shroud at least partially surrounding said first weight stack; a second shroud at least partially surrounding said second weight stack; a first holding device mounted to said first vertical member in a slidable arrangement; a second holding device mounted to said second vertical member in a slidable arrangement; a third holding device mounted to said third vertical member in a slidable arrangement; a fourth holding device mounted to said fourth vertical member in a slidable arrangement; a first safety rail extending between said first and third vertical members; and a second safety rail extending between said second and fourth vertical members; wherein said first weight stack is connected to said first cable pull device and third cable pull device by said first cable; wherein said second weight stack is connected to said second cable pull device and third cable pull device by said second cable; wherein said first cable pull device is connected to said fourth cable pull device by said third cable; wherein said second cable pull device is connected to said fourth cable pull device by said fourth cable. 